NBA: Schröder and Westbrook harmonise to win over Kembas Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken the next victory. Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook stand out against the Charlotte Hornets around Kemba Walker. OKC finally wins with 109:104.

Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo were two potential shooting guards for the Thunder, so coach Billy Donovan decided to let Dennis Schröder start alongside Russell Westbrook. He should not regret it, because the German harmonized splendidly with the former MVP.

Schröder could convince as a spot-up shooter (23 points, 9/19 FG, 4/8 Dreier) and delivered the urgently needed spacing for OKC. So Westbrook opened many rooms, which he could use for 30 counters, 12 rebounds and 8 assists.

However, the guests, who had to do without backup playmaker Tony Parker, kept up bravely – even though Kemba Walker had cooled down a bit after 103 points from the last two games. The Hornets-Guard had to be content with “only” 25 points (10/23 FG) and 8 assists this time and missed the possible equalizer from the distance 3 seconds before the end. Instead, Westbrook made everything clear from the free-throw line.

Charlotte benefited in the first half from some trips to the free-throw line and led with up to 10 points, while Shooting Guard Jeremy Lamb (18, 8/8 FT) could just attract attention. But before the change the Thunder conquered the lead back and did not give it back.

56 seconds before the end it was Schröder who increased the distance from the middle distance to 4 points again. Walker countered from downtown, but Westbrook pocketed four free-throw shots in a row, which were enough for the 12th victory from the last 14 games. In addition to the two Thunder Guards, Paul George (19, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) also contributed a lot. But the surprise was two-way player Deonte Burton, who played a career high with 11 points and pulled the fans out of their seats with a crashing dunk.